Former Team India fast bowler Balwinder Sandhu criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir for reprimanding Kris Srikkanth over his comments on the inclusion of Harshit Rana for the upcoming Australia tour. Sandhu said people may agree or disagree with Srikanth, but there is no need to make a public statement.
Srikkanth was not happy with the continued selection of Harshit Rana in the Indian team. He said that there could be bias given Harshit’s association with Gambhir in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during IPL 2024. The fast bowler is one of the few players in both teams to feature for the white-ball series in Australia.
After the West Indies Test series, Gambhir defended Rana from criticism from Kris Srikkanth. Gambhir described Srikkanth’s comments as “shameful”, adding that targeting the 23-year-old on social media was unfair and could affect his mentality. He urged that criticism focus on the performance, not personal attacks.
Balwinder Sandhu criticizes Gautam Gambhir for his harsh remarks on Kris Srikkanth
In his column for Mid Day, Balwinder Sandhu said that former players may face online trolling, but they still have the right to express their views on the game to which they have dedicated themselves.
Sandhu wrote, “One can choose to agree or disagree, but there is no reason to scold him publicly. Yes, Srikkanth has his own brilliant style of speaking as much as his batting, and that is what we like about him.”
He said, “It is true that sometimes former players go too far and face trolling on social media, but that does not take away their right to speak about the game they have served so passionately.”
His ideas should be taken to heart – Balwinder Sandhu
Sandhu said that as head coach, Gambhir should focus on current challenges rather than publicly criticizing former players, adding that he was disappointed with Gambhir’s harsh reaction to Kris Srikkanth’s comments.
Sandhu further said, “Their views should be taken in the same spirit in which they have been presented – respectfully and with an open mind.”
“As a head coach, it is always wise to focus on the fight rather than opening too many fronts and missing the main target. I am very saddened to read Gautam Gambhir publicly rebuking Srikkanth’s views and talking harshly about a former player in the media.”
Harshit Rana made his international debut for India in the Test series in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. This Delhi bowler had played in the white ball format earlier this year. He has played a total of 10 matches in all formats.
Leadership is best shown through calm focus and example – Balwinder Sandhu on Gautam Gambhir
Balwinder Sandhu urged head coach Gautam Gambhir to lead with respect. He said that true leadership comes from quiet focus and setting an example, not from reacting publicly.
Sandhu said, “In the professional world of sports, once you take on the role of head coach, you represent not only yourself, but the entire cricket fraternity. It is a position of responsibility and dignity, not personal ego. One should always learn from those who have played this role before and remember that leadership is best shown through calm focus and example, not by reaction.”
Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, the team has performed well in limited overs cricket and won the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy titles this year. However, India suffered consecutive Test series defeats, including the home series against New Zealand.
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